The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which has no adequate institutional capacity to pursue corruption cases, files and withdraws graft cases on political considerations, says a new study of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).The study reveals the ability of the national anti-graft body to act independently is questionable. The study report titled ‘National Integrity System Assessment: Bangladesh’ was released at a press conference at BRAC Center Inn in the capital on Wednesday.Coauthors of the report-Prof Salahuddin M Aminuzzaman of Dhaka University and TIB deputy executive director Prof Sumaiya Khair- jointly disclosed the study findings.Talking to UNB, ACC commissioner M Shahabuddin in his immediate reaction said the TIB study is baseless. “The ACC never files or withdraws graft cases on political considerations…this is impossible.”Dubbing the ACC as a toothless tiger, the TIB study says the Commission is inflicted with structural, institutional and political factors which, in essence, have affected its overall performance and effectiveness.These include lack of strong political will, interaction of the Commission in respect of allegations against ruling party men, unwillingness to initiate suo moto inquires, absence of capable prosecution team, inadequate capacity to undertake research activities and lack of transparency and accountability.Its leadership capacity and the degree of professional excellence, integrity and credibility of the ACC’s staff have been criticised, according to the study.About the newly-passed Anti Corruption Commission (amendment) Act 2013, the study says the law is silent on the issue of asset declaration, financial gratification, political activities, gifts and hospitality in relations to the commissioners.It also identifies the Commission’s inability to secure cooperation from other institutions like the Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in information gathering.
